diff --git a/tensorflow/python/keras/engine/base_layer_utils.py b/tensorflow/python/keras/engine/base_layer_utils.py
index 931fb5f65e5..b419ca7341e 100644
--- a/tensorflow/python/keras/engine/base_layer_utils.py
+++ b/tensorflow/python/keras/engine/base_layer_utils.py
@@ -25,7 +25,6 @@ from tensorflow.python.distribute import distribution_strategy_context
 from tensorflow.python.eager import context
 from tensorflow.python.framework import dtypes
 from tensorflow.python.framework import ops
-from tensorflow.python.framework import tensor_shape
 from tensorflow.python.framework import tensor_util
 from tensorflow.python.keras import backend
 from tensorflow.python.ops import array_ops
@@ -140,7 +139,7 @@ def make_variable(name,
 
   # TODO(apassos,rohanj) figure out how to remove collections from here so we
   # can remove the V1.
-  return tf_variables.VariableV1(
+  v = tf_variables.VariableV1(
       initial_value=init_val,
       name=name,
       trainable=trainable,
@@ -151,8 +150,8 @@ def make_variable(name,
       use_resource=use_resource,
       collections=collections,
       synchronization=synchronization,
-      aggregation=aggregation,
-      shape=tensor_shape.TensorShape(shape) if shape else None)
+      aggregation=aggregation)
+  return v
 
 
 def get_default_graph_uid_map():